Obituary: Michael J. Zawacki ‘Mike Stevens,’ 62, Of Wallingford

WALLINGFORD, CT — (From B.C. Bailey Funeral Home): Wallingford's beloved Michael Joseph Zawacki, known by many as Mike Stevens, passed away on Sunday, Jan. 23. His heart, as big as it was, sadly gave way, taking him to join his loved ones in Heaven.

Mike was born on June 17, 1959, the son of the late Joseph and Barbara Jean (Caruso) Zawacki. He was a graduate of the Lyman Hall Class of 1977. He attended Quinnipiac College and the CT School of Broadcasting.

Upon graduating Mike became one of the most loved DJ's in the state of CT. His voice would bring a smile to your face, soothe you, and make your day a better one. Mike worked in broadcasting for nearly 40 years. He started his radio career at WMMW in Meriden.

In 1983 he went to WDRC in Hartford, where he wore many hats over the years including On Air personality, Music Director, Production Director, Promotions Director and Operations Manager. He worked mornings for many of those years waking up Connecticut with his upbeat personality and contagious laugh. Prior to his death he worked at WJMJ in Prospect. Mike was so well loved by his radio family. He cared deeply about his listeners and in turn his listeners loved him.

With a deep commitment to giving back to his community, Mike was instrumental in helping to raise millions of dollars for charitable organizations; most notably Connecticut Children's Medical Center, The Connecticut Street Rod Association, March of Dimes, American Red Cross, American Heart Association, Connecticut Breast Health Initiative, Toys for Tots, Wallingford Wishing Well, and The Pink Ladies Foundation. He was the force behind the Pink Ladies Chili Cook Off Event, was proud of its success and loved being a judge. He loved cooking and trying new recipes, hot sauce being his favorite condiment. He was a wealth of knowledge, always had a twinkle in his eye and a smile that could light up a room.

Mike is survived by many loving cousins and wonderful friends who will all miss him dearly.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at a date to be determined in the near future as well as a celebration of Mike's life. Please check back here for updates.

In Lieu of Flowers please make a donation to: The Pink Ladies' Foundation, P.O. Box 682, Wallingford, CT 06492, The Wallingford Wishing Well, 382 No. Cherry St., Ext. Wallingford, CT 06492 or The Connecticut Children's Medical Center, https://www.connecticutchildrensfoundation.org/ways-give. The B.C. Bailey FH has been entrusted with final arrangements.

For more information and to leave online condolences, visit B.C. Bailey Funeral Home here.